Gym in Berkshire sees 20% uptake from neurodiverse young people
A 17-year old with autism says it's transformed his confidence in social situations.
Last updated 16th Sep 2025
The Shaolin Martial Arts Academy in Berkshire is welcoming a 20% rise in the number of neurodiverse young people taking up the sport. The owner of the club and former Kickboxing World Champion, Dan Eden, has described the shift as a “rewarding and positive” development.
Boxing became a way for Seamus McHugh, a 17-year-old diagnosed with autism and ADHD, to channel his efforts and break out of his regular routine.
He said: “I would go to school, go home, and then I would just do nothing for the rest of the day. Then I'd rinse and repeat.”
“But starting at the academy helped with my confidence a lot because I was very anti-social but I’m way more used to talking to people now.”
Seamus understands the barriers encountered by neurodiverse people in the martial arts world, having been diagnosed with autism and ADHD himself.
“I used to hate telling people that I have autism because there was stigma or a lot of jokes.”
He’s praised the gym for the impact training has had on his life.
“I feel genuinely happier. I think back to the first day and to now, I can reflect on how much better I’ve got.”
Dan Eden reckons there’s a few factors at play that explain the surge in interest.
Alongside an intentional move away from technology by young people, he feels the discipline and self-confidence the sport provides plays a significant role in his students understanding of themselves.
“It's just a good outlet for neurodivergent people and if they've had previous trauma or permanent exclusion from school, it helps to rehabilitate them.”
He’s witnessed the long-term effects the sport can have on those with autism and ADHD.
“They realise they are no longer isolated because they meet other kids in the same boat.”